When You Know It’s Time for Change, But You’re Stuck

It’s been a month since I’ve written here. Not because I don’t have anything to say…if anything, my mind has been overflowing. But I’ve been quiet because, honestly, I’ve been stuck.

There’s a certain kind of ache that comes when you know something needs to change, but you have no idea where to start. You feel the urgency in your bones, but the next step feels blurry. And the longer you sit in it, the heavier it gets.

That’s where I’ve been lately.

Wanting change. Needing change. But unsure which direction to move in, or even if I have the resources, energy, or courage to pull it off.

There’s fear in it. Fear that I’ll choose the wrong thing. Fear that I’ll pour what little I have into something that doesn’t work out. Fear of judgment. Fear of failure. Fear of being even more stuck than before.

And then there’s the practical part: money. Making big moves…especially life-shifting ones…costs something. Sometimes more than I have. And it’s hard to dream big when you’re just trying to make sure the bills are paid.

But here’s what I’m holding onto today: it’s okay to feel stuck. It’s okay to not know. It’s okay to sit quietly with your fear for a minute, as long as you don’t let it take the driver’s seat forever.

Maybe the first step isn’t some grand leap. Maybe it’s just saying out loud: “I want more for myself.” Maybe it’s making a list. Sending one email. Cleaning out one drawer. Praying one simple prayer: Lord, Show me the next right thing.

I don’t have the answers yet. But I’m showing up today, writing this, as my small act of movement. It’s not everything…but it’s something.

If you’re feeling this too, you’re not alone. Let’s start here, together.

Canning Now, Gifting Later

When the days are long and the farmers markets are overflowing, it’s the perfect time to think ahead. Summer’s abundance is more than a seasonal treat…it’s an opportunity to create something special that will brighten the cold days to come.

If you’ve ever unwrapped a jar of homemade peach jam in December, you know exactly what I mean. There’s something magical about opening a little taste of summer when the world is gray and quiet.

This is your gentle nudge to start planning for homemade gifts now, while fruit is ripe and plentiful. A few jars here and there can quickly turn into a pantry full of thoughtful presents…made with love, given with intention.

Imagine baskets filled with jars of golden peach jam, warm biscuits, and a hand-written recipe card. Or small bundles of preserved summer fruits, tied with twine and tucked into stockings.

It doesn’t have to be complicated or fancy. It just has to be real.

So if you’re putting up jars this season, remember: you’re not just preserving fruit. You’re making memories, spreading comfort, and creating little moments of joy…months before you even tie the ribbon.

No Power, Still Blessed

I’ve been without power for almost three days now — and the forecast says it’ll be at least another day before it comes back. This morning, my first instinct was to wake up angry about it. But I made a conscious choice: not today.

Instead, I got up, pulled everything good out of my refrigerator and freezer, and brought it to the office where I could store it safely. That alone felt like a small win.

Before heading back home, I stopped at McDonald’s for a coffee and an Egg McMuffin — and I paused to be thankful that I had the money to do that. Another blessing.

Back at home, I turned my attention to the yard. I knew my battery-powered tools wouldn’t last long without a way to recharge them, but I gave it a go. And wouldn’t you know it — I managed to mow both my front and backyard on one charge. That has never happened before. I was racing against the clock, but it got done. Huge blessing.

On my way home, I found a little bookshelf on the side of the road — exactly what I’d been looking for. Right there, waiting for me. Another blessing.

Later, I stopped at Taco Bell. I usually do the drive-thru, but for whatever reason, I went inside this time. The air conditioning was blasting, and it felt like a mini oasis. A cool space, a little break from the heat, and something yummy to eat. Another blessing.

Yes, my house is still hot. But somehow, it’s cooler inside than outside. Another blessing.

I was filthy from yardwork and braced myself for a cold shower — no electricity, remember. But the water wasn’t bad. It was actually comfortable, and I was able to get clean. Another blessing.

Earlier in the day, while transferring food to the office freezer, I came across a forgotten steak and an ear of corn I froze last summer. Even without power, I’ll be able to grill myself a beautiful meal. Yet another blessing.

What amazes me is this: none of these things would have felt like blessings if I’d stayed angry. But choosing to look for the good has opened my eyes to all the little ways God shows up for me. And even on the hottest day of the year — in a house with no electricity, no air conditioning — my heart feels full.

Because God is good. Always. Even here. Even now.

Journal Prompt:
Think about a time when things didn’t go as planned. What blessings were hidden in the discomfort? How did your attitude shape your experience, and what might shift for you if you chose to see today through the lens of gratitude?

Carrying the Weight with Grace

Some days, the weight of my world feels almost too heavy to carry. Life’s demands stack up…family, finances, health, work…and I wonder how I’ll keep going. Right now, my load feels especially heavy, and I’ll be honest: I’m not always carrying it gracefully.

But here’s the thing I’m learning: grace doesn’t always look like a peaceful smile or a perfect posture. Sometimes grace looks like messy tears, deep breaths, and whispered prayers.

I’m trying to hold my head up, but I’m also learning to sit with the discomfort…to allow myself to feel the weight instead of running from it or pretending it’s not there. I’m learning that it’s okay to be real about the burden I’m carrying.

Through all of this, one thing keeps me steady: my faith. God has always taken care of me, even in the hardest seasons, and I trust that He’s still working for my good. He’s been faithful before, and He’ll be faithful again.

I may not carry my weight with perfect grace every day, but I’m trying. I’m reminding myself that God’s grace is enough when mine runs out. Even when I feel like the sky is falling, He’s the One who holds it up.

So if your load feels heavy today too, know this: it’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to let God help you carry it. And it’s okay to take it one small, grace-filled step at a time.

Journal Prompt:
What weight are you carrying right now? How might you invite grace into that space — not by fixing it, but by being honest about it?

Embracing a cozy, rainy day at home

There’s a special kind of magic in a cool, rainy day. With all the windows open, the fresh air sweeps through the house, bringing with it the gentle sound of raindrops and the earthy scent of the season. It’s the perfect backdrop for a weekend of nesting at home and preparing a cozy menu to enjoy over the weekend.

Right now, I’m curled up with a cup of hot tea and my notebook, letting the rhythm of the rain slow me down. My thoughts keep drifting toward the kitchen…toward a warm pasta dish with a creamy sauce, brightened with spring vegetables like spinach, frozen peas, and green onions. Just a touch of garlic, maybe a little lemon zest to wake it up. Simple comfort with a fresh twist.

Later, I’ll prep a pan of bread pudding for Sunday brunch. Something soft and custardy, maybe with a swirl of cinnamon or a handful of dried fruit. It feels good to plan something sweet for tomorrow…a little gesture of care for my future self and anyone that might gather at the table.

There’s a peace in these small rituals. The quiet joy of cooking, of being home, of making something beautiful out of a gray day. These are the moments that ground me…and maybe, if you’re reading this, they’ll offer you a bit of warmth too.

Journal Prompt:
What simple things bring you comfort on a quiet day at home? What’s one small way you could nourish yourself this weekend…body or soul?